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IUPATDC38

CIRP ‘Train the Trainer’ Naloxone Training Held in April to Help Combat Construction Related Opioid Overdoses

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BC opioid overdose numbers continue to climb and the Construction Industry Rehab Plan (CIRP) is active in training BC Building Trades members to combat this epidemic with Naloxone Trainer Training.

1/3 of all overdoses have been construction workers and we at DC 38 and the FTI BC are committed to harm reduction strategies and educating our members on mental health and addictions services available to them. This life-saving drug, which is injected into a person to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is available in a take-home kit free of charge.

Our educators and reps will be providing Naloxone training to our apprentices and Journeypersons as part of our efforts to curb the spike in opioid deaths. A 2018 BC Construction Industry Roundtable on the Opioid Overdose Crisis found that there are industry specific risk factors that contribute to overdoses among construction workers: there is a greater risk of physical injury on the jobsite, the work is often transient, and there can be a “work hard, play harder” culture. As well, the study found that 70% of overdose deaths occurred in private residences by employed persons, that 85% of fatal overdoses are men, and that 19 – 59 year olds are the most impacted by opioid use (with 30 – 39 having the highest number of overdose deaths).

And while we know that the construction industry has been hit hard by this epidemic, we also know that the COVID-19 pandemic has made finding treatment difficult. Construction workers are less likely to ask for help, and more likely to use substances to cope. We are committed to meeting our members where they are and helping to direct them to assistance when they are ready. We want to make sure that no more construction workers die by opioid overdose.

For more information on Harm Reduction, Naloxone training, and the importance of mental health & addictions supports in construction, please visit the CIRP website. For more information on current mental health & addictions supports available through your membership plan, please visit the DC38 website.

L -R: Local 138 Rep Justin, Hazmat Rep/Organizer Kris, FTI BC Health & Safety Training Officer Andrew, Local 1527 Rep Marv, & Local 163 Rep Kevin completed their Naloxone Trainer Training on April 29, 2021 at the IUOE hall. Missing from photo: Director of Training Paddy Byrne.

CIRP Mental Health Webinars during COVID-19

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In this time of uncertainty when people’s anxieties are high, the Construction Industry Rehab Plan (CIRP) is here to help. CIRP is running weekly live webinars on a number of different topics to support the mental wellbeing of Building Trades members and their families. Please contact CIRP to register for the live webinars. If you are unable to attend the live event, you can still register and watch at a later time.

CIRP offers a wide array of services to meet the mental health and addiction care needs of all DC 38 and Building Trades members and their families. If you are struggling with mental health or addiction please visit www.constructionrehabplan.com or call 1-888-521-8611 or 604-521-8611

FTI BC and IUPAT DC 38 championing change in workplace culture with Be More Than A Bystander Training

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IUPAT DC38 Local 163 Rep Kevin Weston and President & Director of Training Paddy Byrne presented the Be More Than A Bystander training to the Level 1 and 2 Painting & Decorating class at the FTI BC on Friday, January 31.

This training is essential to creating an inclusive workspace free from gender-based violence and harassment and our team are proud to be a part of moving forward together.

FTI BC featured in JOY TV’s Fraser Focus Trades Expo 2019 Video

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JOY TV’s Fraser Focus was at Trades Expo 2019 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, BC on October 23/24 and spoke with FTI BC about the finishing trades and our hands-on activities.   

Fraser Focus stated that the BC Construction Association have reported a large shortage of skilled tradespeople entering into the industry.  2/3 of the current workforce are over 45 and looking to retire.  When they do, they will take all of their knowledge and skills with them.  Seeing the need to foster and build a new workforce, Trades Expo was created. 

Trades Expo features highly skilled tradespeople who want to train youth, pass on their knowledge, and encourage trades as a career path.  The youth love the practical, hands-on demonstrations and the opportunity to try-out several trades options in one space.  Our Virtual Reality Painting Simulator, Virtual Reality Boom Lift Simulator, and Glazing Crane were popular and are featured in the video.  Please take a minute to watch our FTI BC educators and reps in action!

Surrey Christmas Bureau

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IUPAT District Council 38 heard about the theft of Teen gifts and gift cards from the Surrey Christmas Bureau and wanted to help. 

On behalf of DC38 and FTI BC, Local 163 Rep Kevin Weston dropped off a cheque this morning for $500 to help make Christmas merry and bright for local families.  The Surrey Christmas Bureau was very happy to accept the donation and said that Unions are always supportive of them and the community.

Squamish Nation Trade Fair 2019

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FTI BC had the opportunity to participate in the Squamish Nation Trade Fair last week, along with Grant Morison from Ross Rex Industrial Painting.

We brought along our Virtual Reality Paint simulator and information about FTI apprenticeship programs, but were there primarily to assist Ross Rex Painting in their search for new workers for their company. They are very busy right now, as are all of our Industrial contractors.

The simulator was a big hit with everyone who tried it.  Even some experienced gamers couldn’t believe how realistic the visuals were!

We were thanked by the Squamish Nation for our attendance, and are looking forward to continuing working with them in partnership to deliver 3 Aboriginal Women in Trades programs in the New Year.

Trades Expo 2019

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Last week we attended the 2-day Trades Expo held at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, in Surrey BC. Several hundred high school students from around Surrey attended our display as we introduced them to the Finishing Trades.

Our booth was always busy with students wanting to try out our Virtual Reality Spray Painter, Virtual Reality Boom and Scissor Lift, and Glazing Crane.

The organizers of the Trades Expo expressed their thanks for our participation in this years event. We were proud to show students the Finishing Trades using our innovative and engaging training tools, as well as the expertise of our trainers and reps.